Obedience To Authority - Just Say No

Remember the famous experiment on obedience to authority in
the early 1960s. Stanley Milgram, his research showed how
terrible and ordinary people could be when they make a figure of authority.
Those who volunteered for the experiments were told to administer the test
entity that has a window in another room. Every time the subject
answered incorrectly, the volunteer was told to give him all
strong electric shock.

Many volunteers continue to apply shocks even when the subject
She screamed in pain, he complained about heart problems, imploring them to stop, and
stopped making any noise at all, probably because he was unconscious or
dead. They did this because someone in a lab coat told them to, and perhaps
assured them that they are "just doing their job." The case was
actor, which is irrelevant because the volunteers did not know it.

This kind of reflexive "respect" for authority is clearly present throughout the
history. Of course, we like to think that we will be different, that we
would just say that there is no power like Stalin and Hitler, if it meant
hurting others. Of course, if you are on a daily basis we reflexively respect
law without considering whether the right or not, we are probably as
"normal" and those in Milgram's experiments, or the millions who have participated
in what the Nazis did.

people who had helped Hitler are not monsters, nor are those with
potential to do such a thing (most of humanity). People are what they are,
which includes the potential for good and not-so-good actions. Fortunately, we
are often put in a position to demonstrate our ability to be great
evil. But it is there, especially when you obey authority without thinking.

just say no to obedience to authority

I do not advocate disobedience to authority only to listen. There is no need for
break any law they feel is unfair either. However, we note that each use
have, and accept responsibility for your own actions - no matter what
those who have the power to tell. We can overcome our automatic obedience to authority,
even our automatic respect and fear.

As for myself, I listen to most of the laws, even many who think they are just or unjust
plain stupid. Listening to good laws, because they want to do what is right. I listen to
bad laws, because I'm not ready to pay the price are in violation. the
On the other hand, if the issue is important enough, or if the price is low enough,
I am going to break any law I think is unfair. Had I escaped slave illegally
seeking refuge in this country 150 years ago, I would hope that someone
will do the same.

in case you think I care at this question, let me be very clear: you and
I have a duty to respect and obey the law - nothing at all. With the smallest
a little imagination we can all think of a scenario in which a happy
violate the law. We are clearly the value of their own moral values ​​than any "duty" to
comply with the law, at least in our hearts and thoughts.

By the way, I do not advocate turning are "above the law." This is the kind
the pomposity of the "law and order types" who secretly violate the law.
Consider, for example, tens of millions of good citizens who have used
illegal drugs sometime in their lives, yet use the law to close
drug users? These hypocrites do not plan to convert the police,
naturally. After all, they are mature enough to use illegal drugs, but
other inferior beings should be punished.

In fact, those who have violated a law, they really think it is only needed
Probably not a noble thing and turn themselves in. But what if you believe
The law is unjust? I still would not know that I am over it, because I am above
Advocacy virtually all of these things. Break unfair laws, say,
If your morality requires or permits. But be prepared to pay
consequences and / or do what is necessary to avoid detection.

Many laws are made for reasons that have nothing to do with the protection
individuals, and sometimes we have to break them. Failure to comply with certain
law can lead to a better society and civil disobedience which
lead to changes in racial laws in the past. We can see that as a triumph
respect the moral law of laws rule.

Of course, there are good reasons to follow the law as well. Good laws are necessary.
Anarchy certainly does not lead to more freedom, but less. And even
case of bad laws, we can follow to avoid problems or if you are not
too bad, with the idea that it is better to maintain order in society.

However, contrary to what many think of May, we should never unthinking obedience
in power. The Company does not need a general respect for the law to
peacefully and well. Those in power want you to think as obedience and
respect is necessary, because they were afraid of those who do their own
thinking. Perhaps fear of the consequences of breaking the law is necessary in
times, since not everyone will agree with what is good or bad law, and
the law without consequences is pretty pointless.

But in each and every case, is not it better to cultivate respect for the moral law
and individual rights, as in obeying the law is often arbitrary
those in power? Let's just say that there is any unthinking obedience to authority.